Reusable pizza container

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a reusable pizza box that may also be used as a storage container for holding leftover pizza. In the most preferable embodiment a simple tear is utilized as primary means of weakening the box structure, which facilitates separating the first box into two portions. The resulting open end of one portion may be readily folded shut, thereby forming a second closed box structure. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second box is essentially half the volume of the first box. The remaining portion may also be folded shut thereby forming a third closed box structure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to prior art in United Stated Provisional Application No. 61/400,278, filed Jul. 23, 2010, Emibox-reusable pizza box.

-   Field of Classification Search D9/414, 420, 421, 423, 426, 430, 431,     432, 433; 206/216, 273, 299, 551, 730, 740, 822; 229/116.2, 123.3,     210, 221, 222, 226, 227, 228, 238, 904

REFERENCES CITED U.S. Patent Documents

-   1,339,334 May 1920 . . . Heiser -   1,845,436 February 1932 . . . Wagner -   1,866,230 July 1932 . . . Stubbs -   2,174,687 October 1939 . . . Comley -   2,832,466 April 1958 . . . Sheard -   2,947,637 September 1960 . . . Fabiano -   3,116,868 January 1964 . . . Lazure -   3,357,544 December 1967 . . . Gingher -   3,384,290 May 1968 . . . Glover -   4,008,849 February 1977 . . . Baber -   4,452,367 June 1984 . . . Wein -   4,905,837 March 1990 . . . Schucter et al. -   5,098,013 March 1992 . . . France -   6,155,477 December 2000 . . . Herrera et al. -   6,440,050 August 2002 . . . Capparelli. -   6,629,607 October 2003 . . . Gibson -   D484,406 S December 2003 . . . Jacquet . . . D9/430 -   7,261,232 August 2007 . . . Schropp -   7,597,238 B2 Oct. 2009 . . . Muney -   D607,321 S January 2010 . . . Mark . . . D9/414 -   D623,939 S September 2010 . . . Tearle . . . 229/222

CLAIM

I claimed the ornamental design for this reusable pizza box as shown and described.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The present invention is in the technical field of box. More particularly, the present invention is in the technical field of a pizza container. More particularly, the present invention is in the technical field of a reusable pizza container.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,440,050, issued Aug. 27, 2002, Inventors Capparelli; Patsy R. (Norcross, Ga.), the present invention can be formed into at least two differently shaped and sized boxes; thus efficiently accommodating a whole pizza pie in its original rectangular shape, and efficiently accommodating a slice or other portion of pizza in its reduced-size, triangular shape.

The shortcomings of carrying a reduced-sized triangular box is that it odd shaped, it is also uncomfortable to carry and makes for poor storage in refrigerator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a general size pizza container with a plurality of folds, tears and perforations. Once those folds, tears and perforations are utilized the container will be reduced in size and still be able to store from two to eight pieces of pizza. Thus, making it is easier to transport unconsumed portions and much easier to store in a refrigerator in a college dorm or home.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. is a perspective view of large pizza container of the present design closed;

FIG. 2. is a perspective view of large pizza container according to present design opened;

FIG. 3. is a top view of opened container of the present invention;

FIG. 4. is a top view of opened container displaying the bottom and reusable portion of the pizza container;

FIG. 5. is a top view of opened container displaying only the reusable portion of the pizza container;

FIG. 6. is a perspective view of reduced pizza container and partially closed;

FIG. 7. is a perspective view of reduced pizza container and closed;

FIG. 8. is a top view of reduced pizza container;

FIG. 9. is a bottom view of reduced pizza container;

FIG. 10. is a perspective front view of reduced pizza container;

FIG. 11. is rear view of reduced pizza container;

FIG. 12. is right side view of reduced closed pizza container;

FIG. 13. is the left side view of reduced closed pizza container;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the invention in more detail, in FIG. 1 there is shown a large closed pizza container with a plurality of perforations, bends, tears and cuts.

Referring now to the invention in more detail, in FIG. 2, is a perspective view of large pizza container opened, according to present design.

Referring now to the invention in more detail, in FIG. 3, a common pizza box, shown is Piece 1 the outer edges of pizza that are to be folded inward. Piece 2 is the bottom portion tongue that will be later utilized in perforation 6. Fold line 3 will later become the bottom sides of the pizza container. Fold line 4 is the second bend required for Piece 2 to fit into perforation 6. Fold line 5 is the first bend required for Piece 2 to fit into perforation 6. Piece 6 is a perforated slot which will receive Piece 2. Tear line 7 is required for Piece 2 to fit into perforation 6. Piece 8 differentiates the bottom portion of the pizza container from the top portion of the pizza container. Tear line 9 will be utilized to remove the upper portion of pizza container and enter that perforated tab into perforation 15. Fold line 10 differentiates the top portion of pizza container. Fold line 11 on the top portion of pizza container uniquely allows the top portion of the pizza container to bend. Fold/Tear line 12 is necessitated for creating a lock for this pizza container. Piece 13 is the upper edges of pizza container. Fold/Tear line 14 are locks required for the top portion of this reusable pizza container. Perforation 15 will receive tear line 9. Fold line 16 will squarely bend forward and fit inside of fold line 4. Pieces 17 are cutouts that are circular and are required for this pizza container.

In more detail FIG. 3, is a generally rectangular pizza container Piece 1 is the outer edges of the pizza container, which will be folded inwards producing the left and right sides of the pizza container. Piece 2 which is connected to the bottom portion of this pizza container will be utilized to be inserted into perforation 6. Fold lines 3 run parallel to each other from the left side and right side and extend from top to bottom and once the folds are completed you can see where the pizza will be placed. Fold line 4 is the second bend required for Piece 2 to fit into perforation 6 and this will create a front lock for the bottom portion of this pizza container. Fold line 5 is the first bend required for Piece 2, known as the tongue, to fit into perforation 6, which is the groove. Piece 6 is a perforated slot this will receive Piece 2. Tear line 7 is required for Piece 2 to be moved so that it can fit into perforation 6. Piece 8 differentiates the bottom portion of this pizza container, which includes Tear 7, perforation 6; fold lines 5, 4, 3, Piece 2 and Piece 1. form the top portion of this pizza container.

Tear line 9 will be utilized to remove the upper portion of this pizza container from Piece 8, the bottom portion and enter that perforated tab into perforation 15 when converting common size pizza container to reusable pizza container. Fold line 10 differentiates the top portion of this pizza container and it includes fold lines 11, and 16, tear lines 12 and 14, Piece 13, perforation 15 and cutouts 17. Fold line 11 on the top portion of this pizza container uniquely allows the top portion of this pizza container, once removed from the bottom portion of this pizza container, to bend and thus creating a reusable pizza container, whereupon leftover pizza from three pieces up to eight can be stored. Tear/Fold line 12 is necessitated for creating a lock for this pizza container.

Piece 13 is the upper edges of pizza container and they will tuck into fold lines 10. Tear/Fold line 14 are locks required for the top portion of this reusable pizza container. Perforation 15 will be moved forward to receive tear line 9. Fold line 16 will squarely bend forward and fit inside of fold line 4. Pieces 17 are circular cut outs, known as in trade industry as vent holes, are required for this pizza container.

In further detail, FIG. 3, is an 18 inch×18 inch×2 inch pizza container, which holds the standard hand-tossed pizza pie. Piece 2 which is connected to the bottom portion of this pizza container will be utilized to be inserted into perforation 6. Prior art will have two perforations accepting two tabs. By having a long perforation and tab system allows for air to circulate from the rear of this pizza container to the front and vice a versa. Fold lines 3 run parallel to each other from the left side and right side and extends from top to bottom and once the folds are completed that is where the pizza will be placed. Aforementioned lines also intersect tear lines 7, 12 and 14. Fold lines 4 and 5 are required for Piece 2 to fit into perforation 6 and Tear line 7 this will create a front lock that is structurally sound pizza container and will have to hold a large and very hot pizza. Piece 8 differentiates the bottom portion of this pizza container, whereupon a pizza will be place and it includes Tear 7, perforation 6, fold lines 5, 4, 3, Piece 2 and Piece 1 from the top portion of this pizza container.

Innovatively, FIG. 4. is a top view of opened container displaying the reusable portion of the pizza container; Tear line 9 in bodies, fold lines 10, 11, 12, 14, and 16, Piece 13 (an angle cut tab), perforation 15 and cut-outs 17, in this reusable pizza container. Once tear line 9 is removed from the bottom portion, now the upper portion of this pizza container transforms into a reusable pizza container. Fold line 10 is now part of the reusable pizza container, which was separated by Pieces 1, 2, and 8, fold lines 3, 4, 5, perforation 6, and tear line 7 and it serves as part of the front of this present invention. Tear/Fold line 12 is needed for creating a lock for the large pizza container, in that, the tear is made first then the fold follows thereafter. As the top of this pizza container meets the bottom portion it will be sandwiched by Piece 1 and fold line 3. Piece 13 is the upper edges of pizza container and they will tuck into fold lines 10. Tear/Fold line 14 is required for creating a lock for this reusable pizza container, in that, the tear is made first then the fold follows thereafter. As the top of this reusable pizza container, which encompasses Pieces 1 and 13, fold lines 3, 11, 16, perforation 16 meets the bottom portion, which utilizes Piece 1, fold lines 3, 9, and 10, Tear/fold 12, Tear line 9 and cutouts 17, will be sandwiched by Piece 1 and fold line 3. Perforation 15 will be moved forward to receive tear line 9 and creating a lock mechanism for this reusable pizza container. Fold line 16 will squarely bend forward and fit inside of fold line 4. Piece 17 are circular cut outs, identified in the industry as vent holes, are required for this pizza container.

The construction detail of FIG. 3 of this reusable pizza container is to be made of E-fluted, corrugated fiberboard. A product made for strength and desirable for art work. Piece 1 is 41 inches in length (on both sides) with a 30 degree angle cut which ends at 41¾ inches long. Piece 2 is a ¼ inch tab, measures 14 inches in length, of this pizza container which will later be inserted into perforation 6. Fold lines 3 is 43¾ inches in length (on both sides) once the folds are completed that is where the pizza will be placed. Fold line 4 is 3 29/32 inches from Piece 2 and Fold line 5 is 2¼ inches from Piece 2. Fold Piece 2 to fold line 5, then tear line 7, which measures 3 29/32 toward perforation 6, place Piece 2 over Tear line 7 and push them into perforation 6 which is ⅛ inch from fold line 4 and is 14 inches in length. Thus, creating a very secure lock for this pizza container. Piece 8 is the surface area measuring 18 inches×18 inches, whereupon the pizza will rest.

FIG. 5 is a top view of opened container displaying only the reusable portion of the pizza container; Tear line 9 starts at Piece 1, which is 1 10/12 inches from fold line 3, continues 1 inch past fold lines 3, there is a perpendicular Tear for ½ inch, a horizontal tear for 5¾ inches, a perpendicular Tear for ½ inch, a 4¾ inch horizontal tear, a ½ inch perpendicular tear, a 5¾ horizontal tear, a ½ inch perpendicular tear, a 1 inch tear past fold line 3 and continuance to Piece 1. Separation from Large pizza container to reduced sized-reusable pizza container has been completed.

Fold lines 10 are 1 10/12 inches, apart from each other, and from Tear line 9, more specifically from the Tear line 9 where measurement is 4¾ inches and spans 22 inches across to Piece 1. Fold lines 11 is 8 inches from fold line 10 and starts at Piece 1, intersects fold line 3 at 1 10/12 inches and goes 22 inches from left side to right side, creating a very unique bend in this reusable pizza container. Piece 13 is the upper edges of pizza container, cut at 30° measuring ¾ inch will move forward to fold line 10. Tear/Fold line 14, measuring 1 10/12 inch by 1 10/12 inch is required for creating a lock for this reusable pizza container, in that, the tear is made first then the fold follows thereafter. As Piece 18, this measures 18 inches of this reusable pizza container, which encompasses Pieces 1 and 13, fold lines 3, 11, 16, perforation 16 meets fold line 10 (the bottom portion), which utilizes Piece 1, fold lines 3, 9, and 10, Tear/fold 12, Tear line 9 and cutouts 17, will be sandwiched by Piece 1 and fold line 3 and will create a lock for this very functional and reusable pizza container. Perforations 15 measure 5¾ inches apiece, will bend forward toward fold line 10, Tear line 9 will be moved upward to enter perforation 15. Pieces 17 are vent holes for this reusable pizza container measures 22/32 inch in diameter, and will be located 6 inches from fold line 3 on the left side and right side and ½ inch from fold line 10 and fold line 9. The dimensions of this reusable pizza container will be 8 inches×18 inches by 2 inches, as displayed in FIG. 6.

With reference to FIG. 7, is a view of the present invention and illustrates how a sheet of material may be cut and folded according to the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 8, is a view of the present invention and illustrates the top view of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 9, is a view of the present invention and illustrates the bottom view the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 10, is a view of the present invention and illustrates the front view of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 11, is a view of the present invention and illustrates the rear view of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 12, is a view of the present invention and illustrates the right side front view of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 13, is a plan view of the present invention and illustrates the left side view of the present invention.

Referring now to the invention shown in FIG. 1, a common pizza container, well known within the art, is shown. The pizza container has 9 folds. This pizza container has three cuts. This pizza container has 5 Tear lines. Although only one embodiment of commonly known pizza box is shown, it should be noted that the present invention may be incorporated within any rectangular shaped pizza container without departing from the scope to the invention.

Continuing with this invention FIG. 10 is the front view of this reusable pizza container, Piece 3 measures are 1 10/12 inches length. Piece 17 are cutouts measuring 22/32 inches. Piece 10 which are the outer layer of this reusable pizza container measuring 18 inches. The dimensions of this reusable pizza container will be 8 inches×18 inches by 2 inches.

As examples of further, useful benefits of the present invention, will be made of E fluted corrugated fiberboard, which is environmentally friendly. The circular vents and locking mechanism allow air to flow therein preventing its content to become soggy and undesirable. The present invention is economical. In addition, in its reconfigured dimensions of 8 inches×18 inches by 2 inches make it s easy to transport and store in a refrigerator at home or college dormitory.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best's mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and the spirit of the invention. 

1: (canceled) 2: A pizza box comprising a base with a lateral containment element and an upper closure lid, comprising: at said base or at said closure lid, at least one weakened portion which defines at least a sheet-like element which can be detached to provide a two secondary boxes for pizza. 3: A pizza box according to claim 1, wherein said weakened portion has a closed shape. 4: A pizza box according to claim 1, wherein the pizza box comprises at on weakened portion at a defined hinged attached back wall of said base and/or of said closure lid and are adapted to define a sheet-like element which can be detached to provide 2 secondary boxes. 5: A pizza box according to claim 1, wherein a portion of said at least one weakened portion is arranged along the extension of the connecting edge between said lateral containment element and said upper closure lid. 6: The pizza box according to claim 1, wherein said weakened portion is provided by die cutting. 7: The pizza box according to claim 1, said weakened portion has at least one perforation which is adapted to facilitate the separation of Box A from Box B. 8: The pizza box according to claim 6, wherein said at least one perforation is designed, following separation of Box A and Box B, to remain connected to said base or to said closure lid. 9: The pizza box according to claim 1, wherein the pizza box it comprises, at said sheet-like element, at least one folding line which is adapted to facilitate the folding of said sheet-like element. 10: The pizza box according to claim 1, wherein the pizza box comprises at least one folding line at portions of said base and/or of said upper closure lid. 11: The pizza box according to claim 1, wherein said sheet-like element comprises at a partially curvilinear edge. 12: The pizza box according to claim 1, wherein said pizza box is made of cardboard for food use. 